Tag Futebol

League leaders Celtic are back in action away to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon, with the Old Firm outfit heading into that clash off the back of their comfortable, midweek triumph over Livingston.

That most recent encounter saw first-half goals from Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi seal the points for the Hoops at Parkhead, with Ange Postecoglou’s side continuing to look somewhat imperious in the defence of their title.

While bitter rivals Rangers have somewhat applied the pressure of late amid their unbeaten run under new boss Michael Beale, the champions appear to be showing few signs of nerves at the summit, with another win set to be expected against a side whom the Bhoys have already beaten twice this season.

Ahead of that trip to Perth, here’s how Football FanCast predicts that the visitors will line up: (GK) Hart; (RB) Johnston, (CB) Carter-Vickers, (CB) Starfelt, (LB) Taylor; (CDM) Iwata, (CM) McGregor, (CM) O’Riley; (RW) Maeda, (ST) Kyogo, (LW) Jota.

Postecoglou revealed prior to the meeting with Callum Davidson’s men that full-back Anthony Ralston will once again be unavailable due to injury, while backup goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist is also set to be absent from the matchday squad.

With that in mind, we predict that the title-winning coach will make just one change from the side that ran out 3-0 winners last time out, with the 57-year-old unlikely to make any alterations to a backline that kept a clean sheet against Livi.

One tactical tweak could well lie in midfield with the trip to McDiarmid Park allowing the chance for Postecoglou to hand January arrival Tomoki Iwata his first start for the club, with the “unbelievable” gem – as lauded by former boss Kevin Muscat – having made two substitute outings thus far.

The Japanese international’s introduction could allow the chance for reliable skipper Callum McGregor to be deployed in a more advanced central berth, with that alteration affording £12k-per-week machine, Reo Hatate – who has been described as an “absolute beast” by journalist Sacha Pisani – the chance of a rest after starting each of the last 17 league games.

The final berth in that midfield trio could well be taken up by Matt O’Riley following the Denmark U21 international’s standout showing last time out, with the playmaker having registered a classy assist for Kyogo’s strike on the stroke of halftime.

As for the forward line, the latter man is set to retain his place through the middle with recent addition Oh Hyeon-gyu still not ready to feature from the start, while both Jota and Daizen Maeda could again line up on the flanks.

Leeds United have been put off by the price tag placed on Azzedine Ounahi following the Moroccan’s exceptional World Cup campaign.

What’s the latest?

It has been widely reported that Victor Orta is looking to bring in a new midfielder this month with strong links earlier in the window to Ounahi.

However, there have been more recent links to Juventus’ Weston McKennie with the Whites reportedly in talks over a potential deal for the American.

Leeds have already made two additions in the January window and have spent in the region of £35m with the signings of Maximilian Wober and Georginio Rutter.

And speaking on Joe Wainman’s YouTube channel, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed the price tag put on Ounahi by Angers has put Leeds off from making the move to sign him:

“From Leeds’ perspective, it’s about the club not being particularly sold on the price, because the market value actually, even after the World Cup – and I know this is a very hot topic and often debated – but the market value is somewhere in the region of €15m.

“And the kind of money that is being asked for is, roughly speaking, double that or even a little bit more, and that’s what’s putting Leeds off. And they also have to think about spending that amount of money and then maybe going down.”

Cheaper alternative?

As Jacobs mentioned, for Leeds to acquire the services of Ounahi this month, there is the expectation it would take an offer in the region of possibly more than €30m (£26m).

However, recent reports from Fabrizio Romano have suggested that Juventus would be looking for an offer in the region of €35m (£30.7m) to allow McKennie to depart this month.

Comparing the two over their 2022/23 campaigns so far, the Moroccan has provided more passes, shots, shot-creating actions and tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).

But it is McKennie who has provided more goals and assists this season – albeit with just one of each to his name.

With these stats in mind as well as his impressive displays during the Qatar World Cup, perhaps there is an argument to be made that Ounahi could be worth the effort this month.

But it is worth remembering McKennie has formed a strong relationship with the current Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams from their time together in the USMNT.

McKennie started all four of the United States’ matches in the World Cup and did so alongside Adams as they took America to the final 16.

So perhaps Victor Orta is looking beyond the stats and considering who may be the best fit for Leeds who already have a strong American group at the club.

Manchester United are still ‘in talks’ with right-back Diogo Dalot over a new-and-improved contract, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Dalot impressing for United

The Portuguese defender has matured into a reliable player for United in recent times, making 13 starts in the Premier League season until that run was interrupted because of an injury incurred at the World Cup last month.

Dalot had been Erik ten Hag’s undisputed first-choice right-back up to that point, and recent reports have suggested that a new deal could be in the offing for the 23-year-old.

Romano has now shared an update on the ongoing contract situation, with the club still eager to secure the defender’s future.

The Latest: Dalot contract talks ongoing

Taking to Twitter, the Italian claimed that United are still working on extending Dalot’s stay at Old Trafford, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.

Romano tweeted:

“Man Utd remain in talks to extend Diogo Dalot contract.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for United

This is a no-brainer for United, considering the level at which Dalot has been performing, averaging 2.7 tackles per game for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup. For context, only Casemiro has managed more for the club so far this season.

At 23, he should only get even better, and there is no reason why he can’t become one of the best right-backs in Europe over time, having been hailed as ‘smart’ and ‘intelligent’ by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. He also ranks as United’s fourth-best performer in 2022/23 according to WhoScored metrics.

It would duly be a big blow for United if Dalot were to suddenly move elsewhere should contract talks stall, so they should try to nail down the £25,000-per-week defender’s future as soon as possible, in what would be a significant piece of internal business by the Old Trafford club.

Leeds United are involved in the race to sign Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Striker search?

The Whites appear to be on the hunt for a new striker after securing the services of versatile defender Max Wober last week.

Jesse Marsch has once again been without Patrick Bamford for large parts of the season, with reports even claiming that the forward has suffered another injury setback.

Rodrigo netted his 10th goal of the Premier League season in midweek, but it appears as if attacking reinforcements are on the agenda at Elland Road this month.

The Latest: Leeds could spend £14m on Gyokeres

TEAMtalk provided an update on Gyokeres over the weekend, claiming that Leeds are involved in the bidding for the Sweden international, who scored in the FA Cup on Saturday.

They said that the Whites ‘are prepared to spend £14m’ on the 24-year-old, who was called ‘unbelievable’ by his manager Mark Robins, although Coventry are holding out for £18m.

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The Verdict: Sign both him and Rutter?

This update on Gyokeres came just hours after interest emerged in Hoffenheim’s Georginio Rutter, and you could make an argument that both strikers are required at Elland Road.

Leeds’ attacking options are limited at this moment in time, which has resulted in Marsch relying heavily on youngsters Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville out wide, while Rodrigo is the only experienced centre-forward available due to Bamford’s ongoing injury problems.

Rutter is an out-and-out centre-forward and is still young at the age of 20, whereas Gyokeres is primarily a striker but can also play out wide if needed and has more experience at the age of 24, so it could make sense for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers to try and land both forwards in the coming days.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have approached a new dawn, with Julen Lopetegui in the early days of his managerial career at the club and looking to put his own sheen on the fold ahead of the January transfer market. 

What’s the word?

One prospective acquisition who has been of interest to Wolves for some time is Racing Club’s Carlos Alcaraz, who, according to O Jogo (via Sport Witness), is being approached.

Should the Premier League outfit be successful in their pursuit of the 20-year-old, who Racing are touting for approximately ​​€18m (£16m), they would wield a fantastic young talent to align with the club’s vision of sealing shrewd deals and nurturing such players towards stardom.

With SL Benfica also eyeing a swoop for the starlet, Lopetegui will need to act swiftly if he is to convince the ace to join a team looking to stave off relegation over a European outfit, although the allure of the Premier League and the exciting project in Wolverhampton might sway the fortunes.

“Gold” 

Alcaraz is one of the hottest commodities in South America at present, scoring nine goals and registering two assists across 42 appearances for his club over the past season.

While Wolves boast a formidable central midfield partnership in Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, the former has been at the heart of heavy transfer attention recently, and the latter is 36-years-old. 

Alcaraz could adopt the robust role that is required in a Wolves team and a Lopetegui system, with his inclusion signifying a passing of the baton from a cohesive pairing that have become trademark names within the club’s core, following the return to the top-flight in 2019.

As per Sofascore, the “gold” Alcaraz – as lauded by journalist Alex de Llano – recorded an average rating of 6.83 across the 2022 Liga Profesional de Futbol season, demonstrating his offensive aptitude by unleashing 2.2 shots power match, making 0.8 key passes and completing 78% of his total passes, also chipping in with 1.1 tackles per showing.

It is this level of ubiquity that could pay dividends for a side currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, confined to 18th place after just three wins in the division all season – although Lopetegui did defeat Everton at Goodison Park in his recent debut match at the helm.

And according to talkSPORT, Wolves boss Jeff Shi walked away from a £17m deal to clinch the services of Enzo Fernandez in the summer, with the Argentine sensation earning the Best Young Player award on the way to clinching the gilt-covered World Cup trophy last month.

The hierarchy will inevitably kick themselves for failing to act on the signing of the prodigy, but might use it as ammunition to fuel a plunge towards another golden maestro that could serve as a focal point as the next chapter at the club commences.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed there is ‘real confidence’ at Leeds United over a new contract for winger Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Harrison is set to enter the final 18 months of his current Elland Road deal in January and is still of interest to Newcastle United heading into the New Year.

Reports have suggested that the Whites have opened preliminary discussions over fresh terms in what would see the 26-year-old receive a pay rise.

The wide man started in a friendly against Elche on Thursday as Leeds ramped up their preparations for the Premier League restart with a 2-1 win.

The Latest: Bailey’s comments

Bailey was talking to TEAMtalk to share what he knows about Harrison’s situation. The journalist said that ‘the good news is there is a real confidence’ the Leeds man will extend his stay ‘sooner rather than later’.

“I understand a new deal is firmly on Victor Orta’s agenda. The good news is there is a real confidence that Harrison will put pen to paper sooner rather than later.”

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The Verdict: Promising

It seems as if a new contract for Harrison is likely, and these comments from Bailey are extremely promising.

The club may well be looking to get a deal over the line before the January window opens, which could result in Newcastle taking a step back in their pursuit of Harrison.

Hopefully, a fresh contract will also help the winger get back to his early season form, with the Leeds man without a goal or an assist since August.

Manchester United are not likely to secure a transfer deal for Kylian Mbappe according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Mbappe’s links to United

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Red Devils have identified Mbappe as a potential January transfer target should Cristiano Ronaldo find himself leaving Old Trafford as a result of his recent interview with TalkTV.

The Frenchman only signed a new three-year deal to stay with his current club, Paris Saint-Germain, back in May, which reportedly sees him pick up a wage of almost £1m-per-week.

With this recent link to United in mind, it seems as though the possibility of the Manchester club signing him in January has had cold water poured on it.

The Latest: Jones dismisses Mbappe transfer

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones had this to say about United’s January transfer window and the likelihood of them signing the PSG star.

He said: “There’s obviously a very good chance they’re going to need a striker in January.

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“But I’m told there’s almost no chance of Mbappe moving in January, so this is something that’s probably going to have to be beyond that if they really do dream of replacing Ronaldo with him.”

The Verdict: Worth the wait

Having made 237 appearances for his current club, the 23-year-old has scored 190 goals and delivered 93 assists along the way.

That alone makes it easy to see why United would want to secure a deal for the Frenchman, who will be likely be leading the line for his country during the FIFA World Cup after an injury to Karim Benzema.

With 14 Ligue 1 appearances to his name this season, Mbappe has scored 12 goals and racked up more shots at goal (58) than any other player at the club.

Described by journalist Carl Anka as being a “cheat code” for the unbelievable pace he has, the PSG star would surely be worth the wait if United aren’t likely to sign him in January.

Frank Lampard has some excellent young prospects at Everton which can hopefully lead the club into a new era of not having to spend millions by bringing in talent from the continent.

With Anthony Gordon already established in the Toffees’ starting XI and youngsters such as Thomas Cannon and Stanley Mills shining for the U21s, Lampard is currently spoiled for attacking options.

However, with 21-year-old right-back Kyle John recently signing a new contract until 2024, Lampard could well unearth his next Reece James in the defender.

Reece James 2.0

During the Englishman’s spell in charge of Chelsea, he had to rely on promoting youngsters to the first team due to the transfer embargo that was placed on the Blues at the time.

Mason Mount was player one who made his Premier League debut under Lampard and has gone from strength to strength since, while James was another to be handed his top-flight debut under the 44-year-old manager, before going on to establish himself as a key part of the Chelsea team.

And, John could certainly follow in James’ footsteps under the management of Lampard, as certainly appears to have the ability required ability to force his way into Everton’s first-team squad in the not-too-distant future.

After signing his contract extension, director of football Kevin Thelwell said: “Kyle’s progress with us from the age of six has been clear and consistent – and we’re very pleased to be able to help him continue his journey towards first-team football.”

These are encouraging words and there is a clear pathway for the right back. Having made 63 appearances for the U21s – 56 of which have come in the Premier League 2, over which John has notched three assists – it might be time for a first-team opportunity sooner rather than later.

A year younger than James – who has already won the Champions League and Club World Championship with Chelsea – John still has a lot to learn, but his ceiling is undoubtedly extremely high – with David Unsworth dubbing the youngster both a “bundle of energy” and claiming that the 21-year-old will become a “top player.”

Nathan Patterson is currently ahead of him in the Everton pecking order, but Lampard must be delighted that he has two wonderful young talents who could fight it out for the right-back slot over the next few years.

Awarding an extended contract to John is a show of faith that he must begin to pay back, and while it would be insincere to compare John’s current ability to that of England international James, should the Toffees sensation continue his impressive development, he could well become Lampard’s next unearthed gem at right-back.

Betting on football has been a very popular activity ever since the sport was invented. Football fans all over the world place wagers on their favourite teams or individual players to show support and make the entire experience of watching a match much more enjoyable.

That being said, before you decide to place a wager, make sure you check out different promotions, such as the Sportingbet sign up offer, for instance. Each sign up or welcome bonus has its own unique advantages but there are different types of offers you should be aware of. With that in mind, here are a few different bonus offers to consider when betting on football.

Free bet bonuses

The most common bonuses include a promotion called free bet. As the name suggests, a sportsbook will offer new customers one or more free bets to try out their services. Therefore, bettors can check out different odds, bets and sports markets the sportsbook has to offer. Of course, every bonus has a wagering requirement so make sure you see what’s involved before you opt-in.

No deposit bonuses

Another type of bonus offer is the so-called no deposit bonus. This is pretty much self-explanatory as you don’t need to make a deposit in order to try out the sportsbook’s services pretty much for free. You receive a small bundle of bonus fund to play with at your convenience. Moreover, each bonus has an expiration date so make sure you take the advantage of the offer while it lasts.

Matching deposit bonuses

Similar to no deposit bonuses, a matching bonus is exactly what it says it is. Here, you have to make a deposit and the sportsbook will match it up to 100% for a certain amount of money.

For example if the match deposit is 100% up to $500, you’ll get $500 bonus funds for your bets should you deposit $500. That doesn’t mean you must deposit the full amount. In fact, even if you deposit $10, for example, you’ll get another $10 since the bonus is still 100% regardless of the amount as long as it doesn’t go over $500.

Different bonus offers have unique advantages and disadvantages depending on the circumstances, the sports you want to bet on, and so on. That’s why it’s of vital importance to not just browse offers but also understand what each offer is about. That way, you can actually make the most of the bonus and enjoy your betting experience to the fullest.

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The potential arrival of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham at Manchester City is a ‘frightening prospect’, says Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Partnership at BVB

Having both arrived at the German outfit in 2020, the Englishman formed a formidable partnership in the Bundesliga with City icon Erling Haaland.

In 89 games for the Black and Yellow of BVB, the Norway international bagged a sensational 86 goals. The 19-year-old England international, on the other hand, has thus far impressively contributed 14 goals and 20 assists in 103 appearances for the club.

Consequently, rumours have emerged claiming Haaland is trying to convince his former teammate to join up with him at City.

The Latest: Sheth reacts

Sheth thinks Haaland’s attempt to lure Bellingham to the Etihad is a scary prospect, given their dominant partnership in the German top-flight.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:

“Now they’ve brought Haaland there, not only is it the pulling power of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, it’s also Haaland. He can maybe speak to some of his old team-mates and say, ‘Jude Bellingham, come here.’ It’s a frightening prospect.”

https://www.givemesport.com/88069335-man-city-frightening-prospect-if-haaland-helps-get-88m-star-to-the-etihad

The Verdict: Incredible talent

According to The Athletic, Dortmund value the midfielder at £131.6m, meaning it would take a British record to land the 19-year-old star.

However, looking at his underlying stats, it may be worth City blowing their budget to bring him in.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Englishman ranks in the top three percent for assists, dribbles completed and touches in the attacking penalty area, and also in the top six percent for non-penalty expected goals, providing immense attacking threat from the centre of the park.

Whilst Liverpool and Real Madrid have thus far been touted as the favourites, Haaland’s Sky Blues stardom could convince the former Birmingham City man to join up with him in Manchester next summer.